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The 2008 New York Auto Show comes a month earlier this year and just two weeks after the previous stop in Geneva, thanks to the early coming of Easter. The last stop on the first leg of the annual auto show world tour, the NYC show is never an epic event in the vein of Detroit, but there’s always plenty to look at in the Big Apple.

Notable debuts at this year’s show will include the production model of Hyundai‘s Genesis Coupe, the 2009 Acura TSX, a pair of Pontiac G8 variants, and concepts from Saleen, Scion, and Suzuki, just to name a few. There are also a few surprises waiting in the wings. So keep coming back to motortrend.com for updates and complete show floor coverage as the show happens on March 19 and 20.

Essentially the same car as the European version of the Honda Accord, the 2009 Acura TSX will feature the larger of the two Euro engine options. That means a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor producing 201 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque up front, featuring five percent more torque and more mid-range power than the motor it replaces. These gains are attributed to a higher compression ratio for 2009, revised valve timing, and more efficient intake and exhaust setups. Two transmissions will be offered as standard equipment, giving buyers the option of a conventional six-speed manual or Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic with a manual mode and paddle shifters.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger comes in three grades: the 425 horsepower SRT8, 375 horsepower R/T, and 250 horsepower SE, all standard with a healthy dose of retro-modern style. With the Challenger SRT8 serving as the halo model, we guess that means the 375 horsepower, 404 lb-ft of torque Challenger R/T serves as a “midlevel model.” The numbers above are achieved when the Challenger R/T driver has the six-speed manual — the R/T with a five-speed automatic makes do with 370 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Challenger R/Ts go from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds, Dodge says.

Add taxi to the list of Transit Connect’s potential uses here in the U.S., with a special livery of the van debuting this week in the Big Apple — the nation’s No. 1 taxi town. The Transit Connect Taxi concept makes sense as a potential replacement for the Crown Victoria (Ford‘s omnipresent taxi), with its high roof, ample rear space for tourist luggage and three passengers, and its relatively frugal 2.0-liter four banger that is rated at 19 mpg city and has lower tailpipe emissions than most present taxis. Being a concept, the Transit Taxi also features an innovative 13-inch, touch screen designed to provide a variety of entertainment and other services for the customer, not the least of which is an automated payment function.

Retaining compact dimensions similar to the previous model, the new 2009 Honda Fit sports entirely new sheetmetal and more functionality inside. An improved version of Honda‘s Magic Seat allows the rear seats to fold flat without removing the headrests, even when the front chairs are pushed all the way back. The long-object, utility, and tall-object (where the cushion folds up to accommodate items like plants) modes from the previous car are available again, and a hidden bin under the driver’s side rear seat provides even more storage. Techies will be satisfied by the availability of Honda’s navigation system with voice-recognition and a 6.5 inch screen, as well as a USB audio interface that’s iPod compatible. Both the Fit and Fit Sport receive a new 1.5 liter 4 with V-TEC mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission (with paddle-shifters on the Sport), and the Sport also comes with 16-inch tires, up from the standard model’s 15s. Safety is improved with available stability control, standard front, side, and curtain airbags, and ABS. Along with the Mini, Honda’s Fit began to prove to Americans that small and economical cars could also be fun. With a host of improvements, the new version should continue the trend.

Naturally, a rear-drive Genesis sedan begets a rear-drive Genesis coupe-and from the appearance of things, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe could be just as much of a revelation as its four-door forebear. According to Hyundai, the short list of Genesis coupe competitors includes the Infiniti G37, BMW 335i coupe, Ford Mustang GT, Mazda RX-8, and Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, though a comparison of specs reveals the G37 matters most. Dimensionally, Hyundai apes Infiniti in all key external measurements. At 182.3 inches long with a 111.0-inch wheelbase, the Genesis coupe is shorter by 1.2 inches between the wheels and 0.8 inch overall. With a width of 73.4 inches and height of 54.3, the Genesis coupe is 1.6 inches broader and 0.5 lower. Curb weight is close as well-a claimed 3550 pounds in base V-6 configuration makes it about 65 pounds lighter than the G37. Engine specs and output are also in the ballpark; Hyundai claims the coupe’s all-aluminum, 24-valve 3.8-liter V-6 makes 310 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 263 pound-feet of torque at 4700. Click on our First Look story below for the complete story on the Genesis Coupe.

Like Scion, Kia unveiled a coupe concept in New York after Scion, but Kia’s was well, more coupe-like. Aptly dubbed the KOUP, the concept is a small, sport-compact type vehicle with two-plus-two seating and subtly aggressive body lines. The roof is actually a panoramic glass panel that extends down the rear window, and carbon fiber accent trim is abundant on the side mirrors, front air dam, badges, wheels, and interior. The large, 19-inch wheels feature an open spoke design to show off the massive red Brembo brake calipers and drilled rotors that lurk underneath.

Two-tone black and grey seats set the tone inside, with a hint of red instrument lighting to keep things interesting. A stubby shift lever selects between automatic and manual transmission modes with a red engine start button mounted directly adjacent, while large, black paddle shifters poke out from behind the steering wheel rim. Kia says they engineered the interior to be functional and realistic – could this be a hint at production plans for the KOUP?

If so, at least Kia already has an engine selected. Their 2.0-liter Theta II engine has been selected for the KOUP, featuring Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and a twin-scroll turbocharger. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode will send 290 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Underneath, MacPherson struts are found up front – common for budget oriented front-drive layouts – and a twin-link rear is fitted, both tuned for sport-oriented driving. Kia has also seen fit to include its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and adaptive front lighting.

We don’t know if the Kia KOUP will see the light of day, but it seems like at least a few elements in this concept will make their way to the street in a new Kia sports coupe in the not-too-distant future.

Kia is debuting the refreshed Optima alongside the Koup concept at this year’s New York Auto Show. Revised sheetmetal in front and back add up to a two-inch increase in length, meaning the Optima now measures about 189 inches. That compares to a {{{2008 Toyota Camry}}} at 189.2 inches and a 2008 Ford Fusion at 190.2 inches.

Mercedes-Benz is revving up its U.S. market diesel push by offering its ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC, and R320 BlueTEC diesels to American consumers before any other market gets the vehicles. All three Benzes are powered by a 3.0-liter, 211 horsepower turbo V-6 generating 398 lb-ft of torque. Mated to Benz’s seven-speed automatic transmission, all three people-movers will meet the U.S. Bin 5 standard as well the European EU6 standard, Mercedes says.

The diesel at the heart of the efficient trio utilizes Mercedes’ AdBlue technology, which involves injecting an aqueous urea solution into hot, pre-treated exhaust gases. The process helps reduce nitrogen oxides — a harmful exhaust gas found in high levels in diesels — into nitrogen after the exhaust gasses pass through the catalytic converter. The tank carrying the solution is monitored by the engine management system. Since the tank only needs to be refilled at regular service visits, no extra maintenance is required for a GL320 BlueTEC over a GL450 or any other Mercedes SUV.

Mercedes knows the midsized luxury SUV segment is bursting with competition, and if attacked properly, high profits as well. To keep its M-Class moving out of dealerships, Mercedes has refreshed the SUV, making exterior changes that bring it in line with its boxy GL and upcoming GLK siblings while interior upgrades are subtle unless you go for the two-tone leather and the two huge eight-inch screens for watching DVDs in the backseat.

Powertrain options remain the same, although Mercedes notes that fuel economy is marginally improved with most engine options. The easiest way to tell if a refreshed M-Class is following you is to look for the “smiling” lower grille which is especially apparent — for better or for worse — on light-colored models. The refreshed grille is framed by fog lights pushed to the edges of the SUV, enhancing its presence. Larger side mirrors that follow the new C-Class design have been added and in back, smoked taillights (clear lenses are available) and reflectors integrated into the rear bumper again emphasize the M-Class’ size. 19-inch wheels, standard on V-8 models, won’t hurt that impression either.

The Nissan Denki Cube Concept is a lithium-ion battery equipped take on the much-discussed Nissan Cube designed to showcase Nissan’s green initiatives. The Cube’s 1.3-liter fourbanger makes way for an electric motor powered by laminated batteries that the Japanese automaker says provide twice the energy of traditional “cylindrical” batteries along with safer operation. To accomodate the electric powertrain, the car’s wheelbase has been stretched by 9.4 inches and the interior, which has only two rows instead of the production car’s three, includes a new steering wheel, new door panel and cargo area trim, and a redesigned instrument panel.

Nissan’s new flagship sedan is built upon an all-new front-drive “D platform” that is shorter between the wheels and overall, yet boasts a wider front and rear track. Why then does it look larger and meaner? Because of a butched-up styling language that Nissan calls “liquid motion.” Just look at the aggressive stance and wide, upright grillework. Then note the broadly spaced, asymmetric head and taillamps and sculpted muscular lines down the sides and hood. No slab-sided antiseptic styling here; the 2009 Maxima channels the GT-R and Infiniti G35 to great effect.

Like Teddy Roosevelt, or the sublime M3, the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP walks softly and carries a big stick. Pontiac estimates the LS3-powered G8 GXP will scoot from standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.6 second quicker than the G8 GT (which was 0.2 second quicker than the Dodge Charger R/T, as tested in our April issue). We have to bench-race the GXP for now. A 4.7-second 0-to-60-mph time would trump the Charger SRT8’s 5.0 flat.

How will Pontiac do it with a larger, heavier sedan? With precious little modification to the C6’s 436-horsepower, 428-pound-foot LS3. There are a different water pump and exhaust manifold, and a slightly modified intake, mostly for packaging. “The Corvette is optimized for airflow,” Shipman says. “This car isn’t quite as optimized.” As in the Corvette, the LS3 trumps the 6.0-liter LS2 with high-flow L92-style cylinder heads, unique camshaft and camshaft timing, a tweaked valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms, high-flow intake and fuel injectors. The extra 12 cubic inches is the result of a bigger bore, with larger-diameter cylinder heads and pistons for high-rpm performance.

“Sport Truck,” or ST, is just a placeholder. It’s the generic name for the El Camino-style 2010 Pontiac G8 variant based off the Holden Ute. GM is holding an online contest at www.pontiac.com/namethiscar to pick a name. The result will be announced on April 15.

It could’ve been Caballero, after the late-1960s/early-1970s GMC version of the Chevy El Camino. It wasn’t the cost of a new nose that made GM pick Pontiac over GMC. It was, to quote product manager Brian Shipman, because of the Ute’s sportiness, and “it probably wasn’t the best fit for ‘Professional Grade.'” The two-door, he says, is a better fit for Pontiac.

With the Solstice designed as a convertible from the ground up, only slight changes had to be made to the chassis to convert it into the fixed-roof 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe. There’s minimal weight gain to the tune of just 31 pounds, which is equivalent to the weight of the removable, Targa-style magnesium roof panel. A soft roof cover and home storage case for the panel will be options. The Solstice Coupe employs the same powertrain options as its drop-top sibling, the 2.4-liter Ecotec with 173 horses with a five-speed manual, or the 260 horse, 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec unit that powers the Solstice GXP, mated to a five-speed automatic.

Rightfully praised for its nimble, capable handling by virtue of the mid-mounted position of its flat-six heart, the Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder bumps output to a full 303 horsepower (eight more than the standard Boxster S) by optimizing the sports exhaust system for every last pony. Spacers push the 19-inch SportDesign wheels to the edges of their wells, while Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is fitted as standard.

We couldn’t help but notice that, with the distinctive headlights and bold front end, the Scion Hako Coupe Concept looks awfully similar to the Scion Fuse concept that appeared at the 2006 New York show. Perhaps a far-off preview of the xB’s replacement, the four-seater is “the sporty version of the box,” according to Scion vice president Jack Hollis.

At just 145.7 inches long, the Hako is almost eight inches shorter than the first-generation xB. The interior features a gaming theme with two video monitors and a joystick-style shifter. Things get a little weirder with the four video monitors — two on each door and on each side of the rear seats. Cameras can take fish-eye images filtered in orange so you and your passengers can post distorted pictures online for all to see.

Would you rather have a Hako-like xB over the existing production car? Let Scion know. Hollis says about the Hako: “We’ll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years.”

When the Saleen S7 was released years ago, it bent the norm for what a supercar was in terms of looks, performance, and cost. Today, Saleen announced the S5S Raptor – a concept supercar that stays true to the original theme of high performance with low cost, but takes it a step further. Powered by a 5.0-liter Saleen V-8 capable of churning out 650 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, the Raptor S5S – once a running prototype is built – should be capable of 0 to 60 mph runs in just 3.2 seconds, according to the manufacturer. In addition, the Raptor S5S will run on E85 ethanol, leading to Saleen’s catch phrase of “mean and clean.” The Saleen S5S Raptor concept’s chassis will feature all-aluminum construction for light weight and rigidity, while the bodywork will be made from composite material for the same reason.

Saleen has not yet decided if the Raptor S5S will enter production, but that may hinge on public reaction at the New York show. That means if you want to see this supercar on local roads, it might be a good idea to let Saleen know.

While the Subaru R1e itself is nothing new, having made its debut in 2006, a U.S. test vehicle was on display in the Japanese automaker’s corral – two of which will be used by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for evaluation purposes, Subaru announced at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Such news could mean that the R1e is coming to the U.S. in production form in the not-too-distant future.

With fast-charge lithium ion battery technology, partial or quick charges do not reduce overall battery life as in standard lithium ion units. An AC permanent magnet synchronized motor is used and produces 40kW, allowing the R1e a top speed of 65 mph and a range of 50 miles. A “quick charge” takes just 15 minutes and gives an 80 percent charge, while a full charge can be completed in eight hours through a standard household electric outlet.

It’s fitting that Kizashi is the Japanese word for “prelude” or “foretaste.” We don’t yet have details on the Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3, but expect wheels around 21 inches as on the first Kizashi as well as an environmentally friendly powertrain like the first Kizashi’s 2.0-liter four-valve turbodiesel. With the Kizashi 2, Suzuki got an off-road-ready version of the concept out of its system, so we’re ready to see more than just a sketch of the Kizashi 3 in person.

American racing icon Dan Gurney did more than just drive cars – he also built them. With his team of All American Racers (AAR), Gurney competed in various forms of motorsport, perhaps most notably against fellow racer Parnelli Jones in the Trans Am series. Parnelli already had a tribute car made in his honor by Ford tuner Saleen Inc. at last year’s New York show, so it’s only appropriate Gurney would team up with Ford Saleen this year to build 300 Gurney Signature Edition Mustangs, a third of which will be available in white, a third in red, and a third in blue.

True to Gurney’s original Trans Am Mustang race cars, the exterior features a Gurney style body kit, “duck bill” rear spoiler, “stinger” aluminum hood, custom interior, and a host of Gurney Eagle, AAR, and other classic decals. Power comes from Saleen’s 465 horse 281 cubic inch V-8, and a 3.73 Max Grip rear axle, short throw shifter, Racecraft suspension, and Watts-Link Rear End are all fitted to make the Gurney Signature Edition Mustang go as well as it looks.